A couple suggestions on this, the kickoff day of the holiday shopping season...
Traditions
Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Solely about gathering together and appreciating each other and our blessings, much of the stress of gift-giving holidays isn't present. It is also traditionally non-religious, allowing all walks-of-life to join in a delicious meal together without someone feeling excluded. This year I'm attempting to incorporate a new tradition with my family - a list. A simple list of what each individual is thankful for this particular year. A tad hokey, I'm hoping it provides for some thoughtfulness and maybe also some humor.
A year of cheer...
Our annual party has transformed throughout the years - from fall Sweaters and Ciders to toddler birthdays. This year we are doing a combined holiday party with Soren's third birthday. Using it as a chance to be social this cold season.
Veteran's Day
Thank you, veterans.
Civic duty.
One of the few days that you can do something easy to make a big difference. Go vote.
Bad days.
Something to remember.
Polish Proverb.
Brush pen on rice paper.
My next big project.
The ultimate DIY.
Looking forward to the utter joy and chaos in 2015.
Nights Are Forever
But there's a warm wind blowing, the stars are out -
(Sung by England Dan and John Ford Coley)
Justice
If the situation in Ferguson, MO doesn't have you upset, or at least thinking about things, you probably don't know enough about it. Fix that here.
This article from Times talks about how "Ferguson is not just about systemic racism — it's about class warfare and how America's poor are held back."
And this piece from Politico addresses the situation in Ferguson specifically, addressing how the police are handling the First Amendment:
"Each of these tactics is an unconstitutional restriction on the rights of speech and assembly in its own right. But this constantly changing whirlwind of restrictions further deepens the constitutional sinkhole Ferguson has become. When residents are bewildered as to when, where, and how they can gather and speak without risking arrest, that uncertainty itself casts a shadow of intimidation and self-censorship across the right of free speech. And of course, that uncertainty is often happening at the business end of a high-powered rifle."
If you are progressive white person who doesn't know what to do about it, take a look at this article. And try to remember the ideals on which this country was founded. We still have a long way to go.
Official Photos
The professional photographs came back for the place cards I'd created for the wedding in March. It was a very ornate escort table, and I was happy these could be a part of it.
Congrats again to the Dolohanty couple!
Stand up
Words of wisdom from HG Wells.